Brick and mortar VS Amazon

[jebartle]

How do brick and mortar compete with Amazon, as hard as I try to give local vendors some business, sometimes the difference is overwhelming! Example, buying harness for our New bundle of fluff, went to Petco, same harness as Amazon, $20 difference, yipsters!

[LuvNH]

My northern home is rural, Amazon has become a necessity. When I am in TV I shop locally for convenience and to see what I am buying.

I do not buy fresh produce from Amazon and probably will never do so. Once I am back north I have farm stands and Market Basket, and when I am in TV I like the tropical fruit available.

[Keefelane66]

If I need an item ASAP I’ll purchase locally otherwise Amazon.

[Freehiker]

I buy almost everything on Amazon, just watch the prices. Not everything on there is a deal.

I absolutely love that I can order and get some things the same day here.

[Michael 61]

I love Amazon - has almost everything I need, and my time shopping at stores has been reduced greatly. My shopping these days consist of just a weekly Publix run, a quarterly Costco run, and an occasional Home Depot stop as necessary. Clothes shopping is all on-line now (Nordstrom, Vineyard Vines, Cole Haan and Vulori.) it’s nice not to have shopping take up a chunk of your time in retirement.

[retiredguy123]

As successful as Amazon is, they still have tremendous opportunity for growth. I think that many people go to stores because they don't realize that Amazon is a much better way to shop. I buy almost everything from Amazon, even some food items. I rarely go to Lowes or Home Depot because Amazon sells everything they do and usually delivers it the next day for a lower price.

[Kenswing]

I buy most things from Amazon. But it’s still good to check prices. I recently bought a pressure washer. It was $30 cheaper at Lowes before the 10% Veterans discount.

[asianthree]

Always a Amazon fan. I can send anything, including food items to parents, surprise little gifts, and just something to make them smile. Since they are in the snow belt, and should not be driving. Their Amazon guy, rings their doorbell and wait’s for them so he can drop inside. I can’t thank him enough for this gesture.

Kroger is their food delivery, and their driver actually checks their mailbox and drops their mail in the bag,

As for us, I finally had to brick and mortar something last week. Only had 1 of the item I needed instead of 4. It had been at least 3 years since I went in a store other than Costco, or Sam’s. Since we were out stopped for lunch, best part of the shopping trip. Came home and ordered from Amazon.

I remember when I posted in September of 2017, that I had Amazon deliver after Irma, and that I hadn’t been in a B/M store in years. That I had groceries delivered by Amazon. Can’t tell you how many posters told me that I couldn’t do that, and Why would I ever have groceries delivered to my home.

I predicted home delivery use, would be common place, just as I have done for many years.

[NotGolfer]

I use Amazon for nearly everything, especially since Covid. I used to shop B&M but when the plague hit, the stores were slammed with people who wanted to get out. I guess I'd rather not play "bumper carts" in stores that have narrow aisles and lots of items crammed in them. But that's just me. I discovered Kroger Delivery over a year ago and LOVE it. Sometimes my desired item isn't available so I will go to the store that I'm certain it might be. I think Covid has changed the lives of many people and how they live (beyond the fear etc). It's too bad how our culture has changed so dramatically and quickly.

[jimbomaybe]

I buy most things from Amazon. But it’s still good to check prices. I recently bought a pressure washer. It was $30 cheaper at Lowes before the 10% Veterans discount.
Amazon is the place to start and "most " times has the best price. My experience has been If there is a problem Amazon is great to do business with, but checking other online sources can, time to time save you some more money, only negative I have with Amazon is not buying it at $8.

[Bill14564]

Easier to research options and prices on Amazon.

Easier to touch and feel and bring it home today a brick and mortar store.

Happened to be in a store this week and remembered I needed batteries. Price in the store was $11.25 (or close to that). Thought that was high so came home and checked Amazon. Price with tax on Amazon was $9.26. Saved $2 but received six batteries instead of two; store price was almost four times higher than Amazon!

I like the idea of shopping at local businesses even if they cost a little more. Recently bought shoes at Lake Sumter and was surprised to see their price was the same as Amazon. Would feel comfortable paying a little more to keep the local business in business. But can't bring myself to pay four times as much just to buy locally.

[retiredguy123]

I tried to buy a pair of Teva sandals at Shoe Biz because I wanted to see them in person. Three stores in The Villages, but none of them had my size. They could order them and get them in about 2 weeks. I got them in 2 days from Amazon for a lower price. I don't know how a store like that can even exist.

[La lamy]

I like shopping on Amazon whenever I can, but not being a fan of Amazon Prime for $14.99 or whatever it is these days, the delivery cost can be absurd. I was quoted $7 delivery for a $10 item this week. I opted for the free 30 day trial of Prime to avoid the delivery cost and will have to remember to cancel it before the 30 days is up. I find their return policy convenient and trustworthy, which is not the case with other online shopping. Brick and mortar is usually just for Home Depot or Lowes, even though I've often had to be referred to online shopping with them too for specific items they didn't carry in the store. Patience grasshopper...

[midiwiz]

How do brick and mortar compete with Amazon, as hard as I try to give local vendors some business, sometimes the difference is overwhelming! Example, buying harness for our New bundle of fluff, went to Petco, same harness as Amazon, $20 difference, yipsters!

only sometimes, unfortunately Amazon began with products that are familiar and what you would find in the store..... it has evolved to be nothing more than a sales channel for the asian (specifically China) marketplace. The quality has gone way down, I find myself using it for only a handfull of product. I'd rather buy local, however to do that around here takes a 90 minute round trip.

[Sandy and Ed]

WOW!! 100% positive comments. Guess I’ll add ours. This keeps up we’ll be plowing the B&M shopping centers under and reclaiming our farmlands. Lol

[retiredguy123]

I like shopping on Amazon whenever I can, but not being a fan of Amazon Prime for $14.99 or whatever it is these days, the delivery cost can be absurd. I was quoted $7 delivery for a $10 item this week. I opted for the free 30 day trial of Prime to avoid the delivery cost and will have to remember to cancel it before the 30 days is up. I find their return policy convenient and trustworthy, which is not the case with other online shopping. Brick and mortar is usually just for Home Depot or Lowes, even though I've often had to be referred to online shopping with them too for specific items they didn't carry in the store. Patience grasshopper...
Amazon Prime is $139 per year, which is about $11.60 per month. In 2022, I placed 115 orders, so, for me, it is a real bargain. So far in 2023, I have placed 30 orders, and my order frequency is always increasing. Also, you can share your membership with another adult. The only possible negative to sharing is that you will both have access to your stored payment methods. There are other Prime benefits, such as a free streaming video channel, free streaming music, and free kindle books to read. There is also a list of other benefits and discounts that I don't use.

[jamorela]

I like shopping on Amazon whenever I can, but not being a fan of Amazon Prime for $14.99 or whatever it is these days, the delivery cost can be absurd. I was quoted $7 delivery for a $10 item this week. I opted for the free 30 day trial of Prime to avoid the delivery cost and will have to remember to cancel it before the 30 days is up. I find their return policy convenient and trustworthy, which is not the case with other online shopping. Brick and mortar is usually just for Home Depot or Lowes, even though I've often had to be referred to online shopping with them too for specific items they didn't carry in the store. Patience grasshopper...

There is always something i can add to my order to make it total $25 and get free shipping.

[retiredguy123]

only sometimes, unfortunately Amazon began with products that are familiar and what you would find in the store..... it has evolved to be nothing more than a sales channel for the asian (specifically China) marketplace. The quality has gone way down, I find myself using it for only a handfull of product. I'd rather buy local, however to do that around here takes a 90 minute round trip.
That has not been my experience at all. For example, I cannot remember the last time I went to Lowes or Home Depot. I think Amazon sells almost every product that those two stores carry and most are delivered the next day. They also sell most non-food items that Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Walgreens carry. I recently bought toilet paper, shampoo, paper plates, Kleenex, non-prescription drugs, cleaning supplies, beverages, spices, and many other items. All of them were name brand products that you will pay more for in the stores. I also buy clothing items and shoes from Amazon.

[airstreamingypsy]

I like shopping on Amazon whenever I can, but not being a fan of Amazon Prime for $14.99 or whatever it is these days, the delivery cost can be absurd. I was quoted $7 delivery for a $10 item this week. I opted for the free 30 day trial of Prime to avoid the delivery cost and will have to remember to cancel it before the 30 days is up. I find their return policy convenient and trustworthy, which is not the case with other online shopping. Brick and mortar is usually just for Home Depot or Lowes, even though I've often had to be referred to online shopping with them too for specific items they didn't carry in the store. Patience grasshopper...

I resisted but finally went with Prime. I love "free" delivery..... I know its not free, but it seems to be once Prime is paid for <g> I also use Prime Video and stream shows. I also pay to stream music on my Amazon Echos.

[NoMo50]

We have been using Amazon since its early days, when it was primarily an online bookseller. While we love Amazon and use it often, it is not always the best deal going. Two examples from just yesterday: We were at Rustic Rose in Brownwood, and saw a very nice doormat. My wife thought the price was a little high, so she checks Amazon, and finds the same rug on Amazon for $10 more than the brick & mortar. Back at home, I discover I'm running low on my fave BBQ sauce from Kansas City. On Amazon, they wanted $24 for 2 bottles with free shipping. I checked the restaurant's website, and found the same sauce from them at $69 for a case of 12, with free shipping. While I didn't really need 12 bottles, I have two friends who wanted some. So, we each get 4 bottles at less than 6 bucks per bottle. Bottom line...Amazon is, for sure, convenient, but not always the best way to go.

[Djean1981]

No contest. I don't enjoy shopping.. Except for groceries, it's mainly online.

[Villages Kahuna]

I haven’t purchased anything in a brick and mortar store in well over a year. There’s nothing that I wanted to purchase that I couldn’t find on Amazon. I love being able to get what I purchase in two days, sometimes on the next day.

Returns are free and easy. Just drop them off at a UPS store, or even easier at Kohl’s on 441, where they have a large, well-staffed Amazon only returns department just inside the front door usually with no waiting line like at UPS. If you return at either, your credit card will be credited before you get home.

While Amazon’s prices aren’t necessarily the cheapest, usually just MSRP, I find that I actually save money shopping with them because I’m not tempted to buy products I don’t need as the result of wandering up and down store aisles. I think I save a lot actually!

I would only suggest that you take care to purchase from Amazon and not third party sellers that list their products. If you have any difficulties with the quality, delivery or returns, Amazon will not stand behind transactions with third parties. , Third party transactions can be a horror show. They’re clearly identified in the product listings. Often they’re the cheapest price, but often have 7-10 day deliveries because they are, foreign businesses or individuals, often in the Far East. Because Amazon won’t offer the same service as they do on their own listings, you discover there’s no phone contact or even email for the third party and very difficult or no return policies. There aren’t that many third party sellers and Amazon constantly weeds out the “bad” ones. Just be careful.

[ThirdOfFive]

As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. A lot of the big-box stores have online service similar to Amazon: Home Depot for example has online shopping and home delivery service that (except for speed of delivery) is every bit as good as Amazon, and I do order from them from time to time. The difference of course is that Home Depot carries home improvement products. Amazon carries virtually everything.

That’s not to say Amazon is perfect. Far from it. One of the major headaches in my estimation is the plethora of Chinese junk sold there under (often very obvious) false or deceiving advertising. Another thing is their return process. They offer a more-or-less instant refund if you take it in the form of an Amazon Prime credit. The other option is that they will refund it to your credit card, which can take quite a long time—once, for me, two months.

I also use Amazon Prime to stream movies. While the service is good technically the selection is rather limited. Not a big deal—not the primary reason I subscribe to Prime anyway—but the selection seems more limited than even, say, two years ago.

[retiredguy123]

Note that, if you see a product advertised on television, and they give you a website to order it, you should always check Amazon for the same product. Often, you can buy the exact same product from Amazon for a lower price and with free and faster shipping. Sometimes, it is even being sold by the same company.

Another use for Amazon is that, if you are buying an in-stock electronic product or appliance from Best Buy, you can check the price on Amazon, and Best Buy will match the Amazon price. I have done that several times.

[MrFlorida]

Amazon, Large selection of products, free shipping (with prime) , delivered to your door, and simple no hassle returns....

[ThirdOfFive]

Note that, if you see a product advertised on television, and they give you a website to order it, you should always check Amazon for the same product. Often, you can buy the exact same product from Amazon for a lower price and with free and faster shipping. Sometimes, it is even being sold by the same company.

Another use for Amazon is that, if you are buying an in-stock electronic product or appliance from Best Buy, you can check the price on Amazon, and Best Buy will match the Amazon price. I have done that several times.
One of Best Buy’s biggest headaches (at least up north before I moved here) was “showrooming”. People would go there to see the electronics and ask questions, then go home and order the product they wanted from Amazon for less money than Best Buy would charge.

Is Amazon becoming a monopoly? They’ve forced substantial changes in marketing which for the most part have benefited the consumer, but if they become the only game in town, so to speak, those “bargains” might not be quite as attractive. I saw an example of this during the height of the pandemic. I’ve dabbled in amateur astronomy and sold a telescope about two years back for about the same price I paid for it, but like for a lot of other items, telescopes were getting hard to come by. The same telescope, on Amazon, which originally listed for $299.00 was later being sold for more than twice that amount on Amazon. Price came down again when more telescopes were available.

[retiredguy123]

One of Best Buy’s biggest headaches (at least up north before I moved here) was “showrooming”. People would go there to see the electronics and ask questions, then go home and order the product they wanted from Amazon for less money than Best Buy would charge.

Is Amazon becoming a monopoly? They’ve forced substantial changes in marketing which for the most part have benefited the consumer, but if they become the only game in town, so to speak, those “bargains” might not be quite as attractive. I saw an example of this during the height of the pandemic. I’ve dabbled in amateur astronomy and sold a telescope about two years back for about the same price I paid for it, but like for a lot of other items, telescopes were getting hard to come by. The same telescope, on Amazon, which originally listed for $299.00 was later being sold for more than twice that amount on Amazon. Price came down again when more telescopes were available.
I don't feel sorry for Best Buy. The employees who sell the products are not trained to provide unbiased, helpful, or technically accurate answers to questions. They are trained to sell the products that will make the most profit for the store. But, I will often buy a product from Best Buy if it is in stock, and they will match the Amazon price.

[RedChariot]

Amazon rocks! So many perks with Amazon Prime! Why would I go store to store in this awful traffic searching for a product? Just a click away on Amazon.

[ithos]

I highly recommend checking with Home Depot and Lowes online before ordering from Amazon. Usually no shipping charge.

If they have it in stock locally, you will probably get it quicker than from Amazon.

[Tom M]

One of Best Buy’s biggest headaches (at least up north before I moved here) was “showrooming”. People would go there to see the electronics and ask questions, then go home and order the product they wanted from Amazon for less money than Best Buy would charge.




I believe many places (Walmart, Best Buy, etc. will price match whatever you see on Amazon). If you're in the store and see it on Amazon for lower, bring your phone to a manager and they'll price match.

[ThirdOfFive]

I believe many places (Walmart, Best Buy, etc. will price match whatever you see on Amazon). If you're in the store and see it on Amazon for lower, bring your phone to a manager and they'll price match.
Yes—I think Best Buy adopted that policy specifically because of showrooming.

[Tvflguy]

We are not Prime members but Amazon is our go-to. It’s simply too easy. Too efficient. Too fast. Too everything.

Still amazes me that I can order roach bait, a magnetic door catch, eye drops, and a spool of wire.

3-5 days later, it’s all boxed and delivered nicely to our front door with no shipping charge. How they can sort all innocuous items and get her in one box still amazes me.

Yes, Amazon is too easy.

[retiredguy123]

I highly recommend checking with Home Depot and Lowes online before ordering from Amazon. Usually no shipping charge.

If they have it in stock locally, you will probably get it quicker than from Amazon.
That may be true for some items, but generally, Lowes and Home Depot cannot compete with Amazon on deliveries. Almost all Amazon deliveries are free, sometimes the same day. Lowes and Home Depot both charge a delivery fee for a delivery within less than 3 days.

I recently ordered some 3M Command strips from Amazon and got them the same day with free shipping. The Home Depot same day delivery fee was $8.99 for an $11 item.

[rrdsg]

Target will also price match Amazon.

[Nucky]

Third party sellers are ruining Amazon. Remember the good old days when Amazon was flawless? I do.

Amazon chooses to use these sellers, they cause a whole lot of problems and effort to straighten out the boneheaded things that they do. In the end it actually works out nicely for me. They pay for the time I spend trying to straighten out the foul ups, bleeps and blunders. I get an amount added to my gift card account for each trip to return something that is disappointing to me. If it doesn’t do the exact thing that it promises in the description then it’s game on.
I give you my word that in the last seven years we have not paid for Prime for six of those years. I document everything and read it all back to the agent about two or three weeks before The Yearly Prime Payment is Due. I am always prepared to cancel the account if they don’t do what I request. One year I had to do just that, cancel. No big deal. Opened an account the following week in my wife’s name.
Don’t mess with my time Amazon or you will be paying us.
I prefer to buy locally but admit that I’m an Amazonaholic!

[ldj1938]

They have a senior discount on prime.

[retiredguy123]

They have a senior discount on prime.
Not true. From the Amazon website:

Amazon Prime does not offer a senior discount. However, those with valid EBT or Medicaid cards are eligible for $5.99 a month for a maximum of four years. To see if you qualify for the discounted membership, visit amazon.com/qualify.

[Boomer]

Of course, I use Amazon.

I hate the fact that Amazon has put so many bookstores out of business, but have I been ordering books from Amazon for years? Guilty.

I hate the fact that so many suburban areas are now full of empty retail space in strip malls and in big malls. But do I order clothes and shoes online? Guilty.

I hate the fact that the modern need for instant gratification has been so perfectly played by Amazon, wiping out more of the competition every day. But do I keep on ordering from Amazon? Guilty.

Amazon has grown so many arms and legs that there will be no catching it and then it will be ONLY AMAZON. But, here I am. Guilty.

………I have wondered about the effect Amazon has had on REITs as investments. I have never been into REITs, but I remember when people talked about REITs as a good investment. (I also remember when people thought if they individually owned commercial property in the ‘burbs or small towns, they were set for life. Now?)

One of the reasons I never liked REITs was because for the past 12-15 years, I have observed more and more bleak and barren retail space. So how are those retail REITs doing?

And speaking of REITs, the working from home thing has been working so well that people do not want to go back into the office. There was a story recently on one of my hometown news sites that talked about the big hit office space was taking. REITs are invested in office buildings. How is that working now?………..

But I digress…..that sure was a leap to REITs…….


Boomer the OverThinker

[Garywt]

I try to avoid Amazon as much as possible. If I am ordering online I always try Walmart and Target etc first. Unfortunately Amazon is the only place to find some items.

[retiredguy123]

Of course, I use Amazon.

I hate the fact that Amazon has put so many bookstores out of business, but have I been ordering books from Amazon for years? Guilty.

I hate the fact that so many suburban areas are now full of empty retail space in strip malls and in big malls. But do I order clothes and shoes online? Guilty.

I hate the fact that the modern need for instant gratification has been so perfectly played by Amazon, wiping out more of the competition every day? But do I keep on ordering from Amazon? Guilty.

Amazon has grown so many arms and legs that there will be no catching it and then it will be ONLY AMAZON. But, here I am. Guilty.

………I have wondered about the effect Amazon has had on REITs as investments. I have never been into REITs, but I remember when people talked about REITs as a good investment. (I also remember when people thought if they individually owned commercial property in the ‘burbs or small towns, they were set for life. Now?)

One of the reasons I never liked REITs was because for the past 12-15 years, I have observed more and more bleak and barren retail space. So how are those retail REITs doing?

And speaking of REITs, the working from home thing has been working so well that people do not want to go back into the office. There was a story recently on one of my hometown news sites that talked about the big hit office space was taking. REITs are invested in office buildings. How is that working now?………..

But I digress…..that sure was a leap to REITs…….


Boomer the OverThinker
The best way to make money with an REIT is to start your own. Write a prospectus, name yourself as the general manager with a huge salary, find a broker to sell shares, and let the investors take all the risk. That has always been my issue with REITs. No risk or accountability for those who create it and operate it.

[Triker]

Shopping in TV is very hard, it’s very limited here. Most of what I find on amazon comes from a seller in China. (Annoying) there fore I won’t order it. If the selling company isn’t in US I don’t buy it. I truly prefer the option ships and sold by Amazon. Shopping online is so time consuming, to me it takes more time. Then if you have to return……. UGH.
Then you factor in the annual amazon rate i have to pay vs the people who only have to pay $5.99 a month. Grrrrrrr


I just get aggravated give up and take off in golf cart. :gc:

[Two Bills]

Third party sellers are ruining Amazon. Remember the good old days when Amazon was flawless? I do.

Amazon chooses to use these sellers, they cause a whole lot of problems and effort to straighten out the boneheaded things that they do. In the end it actually works out nicely for me. They pay for the time I spend trying to straighten out the foul ups, bleeps and blunders. I get an amount added to my gift card account for each trip to return something that is disappointing to me. If it doesn’t do the exact thing that it promises in the description then it’s game on.
I give you my word that in the last seven years we have not paid for Prime for six of those years. I document everything and read it all back to the agent about two or three weeks before The Yearly Prime Payment is Due. I am always prepared to cancel the account if they don’t do what I request. One year I had to do just that, cancel. No big deal. Opened an account the following week in my wife’s name.
Don’t mess with my time Amazon or you will be paying us.
I prefer to buy locally but admit that I’m an Amazonaholic!

We sail on the same ship. :coolsmiley:

[New Englander]

Be careful, if Amazon feels a person returns too many items they may close that persons account.

[LuvNH]

I have not had to return anything yet and I have been shopping with them for years.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

just put in new granite counter tops in NE house. . . we are putting in the backsplash or maybe someone else. .
but finding the right color pattern?

can't do that online, both HD and Lowes had actual tile. BUT HD also had online tiles for incredibly cheap. . . BUT whole box sales only. and only a sample on the wall which was was not able to be taken home and examine the patterns against all the other patterns. can buy a sample on line, but takes two weeks to deliver. . . tried taking pictures on the phone, not good enough. Tried on line, never sure hue saturation and all the other RGB monitor adjustments match reality of the tile. Without the counter tops installed, we picked out 4 different patterns. . At lowes buying samples, i just grabbed one which looked interesting subconsciously, (without conscious analysis) while at the store which we never considered . . turns out that one vs the others we ruminated over with several visits might be the one. .

So there will always be times when b&m store is the best. . .but the simpler the life, the less b&m stores are needed. .
except for food. . . fresh food is the one area of debate. .

Yes, life has changed since the pandemic and the mobile phone at the fastest pace in human history in a positive way. .
The down side is that the entire world is connected to you directly digitally. . .

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I like shopping on Amazon whenever I can, but not being a fan of Amazon Prime for $14.99 or whatever it is these days, the delivery cost can be absurd. I was quoted $7 delivery for a $10 item this week. I opted for the free 30 day trial of Prime to avoid the delivery cost and will have to remember to cancel it before the 30 days is up. I find their return policy convenient and trustworthy, which is not the case with other online shopping. Brick and mortar is usually just for Home Depot or Lowes, even though I've often had to be referred to online shopping with them too for specific items they didn't carry in the store. Patience grasshopper...

If you wait until you have I think $25 worth of stuff to buy (might be $35?), you get your shipping free on the whole order. You don't have to be a Prime member to get free shipping.

As for my preferences: I buy certain things from Amazon all the time. The under-sink water filter cartridge, coffee pod filters (we use our own bagged coffee and a re-usable plastic pod plus paper filter for our Keurig espresso every morning), my bras, and we've added a subscription to fancy feast cat food delivery because it's less expensive than Walmart.

For other things we often buy, I much prefer personal interaction at the supermarket or department store. I rarely buy clothes on line because I just WANT the thing - I don't want to try it on, find it doesn't fit, send it back, wait for the replacement, try THAT on, find out it doesn't fit, send it back, etc. etc. Novelty stuff like t-shirts with fun sayings on them, no problem. A fitted shirt? Forget it. I'll get that at a store where I can decide right then and there if I like how it looks/fits.

The bras were a matter of necessity - there are no stores anywhere near here that have them in my size, so I have to buy them online. Since I know the style/size, I can just get the same one at Amazon and pay less for it than at Nordstroms website.

[ithos]

That may be true for some items, but generally, Lowes and Home Depot cannot compete with Amazon on deliveries. Almost all Amazon deliveries are free, sometimes the same day. Lowes and Home Depot both charge a delivery fee for a delivery within less than 3 days.

I recently ordered some 3M Command strips from Amazon and got them the same day with free shipping. The Home Depot same day delivery fee was $8.99 for an $11 item.

I have ordered 3 items since last October and they were all free and arrived as fast or faster as Amazon would have delivered. The lowest priced item was $14 and it took one day. Also had good results using Lowes online.

Competition helps keeps the prices down so I don't want all of my online purchases to come from Bezos.

[daniel200]

It’s complicated. I can find things on Amazon, that I simply can not find easily elsewhere. And they have inventory that will get that item to you quickly. Want a wide shoe size? Good luck to find it nearby. Want a repair part for your fridge or dishwasher or dryer? Get it in two days from Amazon. Your local repair guy will also have to order it

But I have a problem with Amazon’s business model. Amazon loses an average of 2% on every online sale in North America. They lose an average of 4% on every online sale outside of North America.

They are able to continue this business model because Amazon’s AWS cloud service has profit margins of 35% and covers all their losses on their online business. All of the local stores can not compete because they need to make a profit to continue business. So local businesses are squeezed out by Amazon. When the locals are gone Amazon will be able to raise prices.

From Amazons 10Q 2022 financial statement:
N. American E-Commerce Revenue = $69 billion
N. American Profit = loss of $1.6 billion
International E-Commerce Revenue = $29 billion
International E-Commerce Profit = loss of $1.3 billion
Amazon AWS Cloud Services Revenue = $18.4 billion
Amazon AWS Profit = $6.5 billion

[La lamy]

There is always something i can add to my order to make it total $25 and get free shipping.

Didn't know that. I'm a very infrequent shopper, but I'll keep that in mind.

[La lamy]

I resisted but finally went with Prime. I love "free" delivery..... I know its not free, but it seems to be once Prime is paid for <g> I also use Prime Video and stream shows. I also pay to stream music on my Amazon Echos.

I have tried to stream from Prime but my oldish Smart TV can't do it. New phone and new computer both aren't able to download either. So frustrating. I'll try to get help from a customer service person Monday.

[Laker14]

About 8 years ago I was looking for something and went into a Dicks sporting good store in upstate NY. There were 10 checkout stations, but, (surprise!) only one checkout line working. This was between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were at least 15 people in line, and two "managers" folding sweaters. I called out to them "hey, guys! Maybe you need to stop folding sweaters and man the cash registers." Their reply was, "we can't do that until 5PM"... My arms were full of stuff. As much as I could carry. I stepped out of line, walked over to them, laid all of my stuff on the table of sweaters they were folding and said, "You know, guys, I can by all of this **** online. Which is exactly what I am going to do. Share this episode with your bosses when they wonder why people shop online instead of coming into this store." I haven't been in a Dicks since.

[Aces4]

About 8 years ago I was looking for something and went into a Dicks sporting good store in upstate NY. There were 10 checkout stations, but, (surprise!) only one checkout line working. This was between Thanksgiving and Christmas. There were at least 15 people in line, and two "managers" folding sweaters. I called out to them "hey, guys! Maybe you need to stop folding sweaters and man the cash registers." Their reply was, "we can't do that until 5PM"... My arms were full of stuff. As much as I could carry. I stepped out of line, walked over to them, laid all of my stuff on the table of sweaters they were folding and said, "You know, guys, I can by all of this **** online. Which is exactly what I am going to do. Share this episode with your bosses when they wonder why people shop online instead of coming into this store." I haven't been in a Dicks since.

Dick’s has carts, too bad you didn’t utilize one of those. I don’t have much sympathy for the “me first crowd”.

Timing staff and putting cash in registers at certain time is normally based on traffic patterns for the store and it can be unpredictable. Ever notice that everyone seems to want to checkout at the same time at the grocery store? And then the seasoned checkout clerk for that shift may have been ill. First world problems…

[Pairadocs]

As successful as Amazon is, they still have tremendous opportunity for growth. I think that many people go to stores because they don't realize that Amazon is a much better way to shop. I buy almost everything from Amazon, even some food items. I rarely go to Lowes or Home Depot because Amazon sells everything they do and usually delivers it the next day for a lower price.

That's an interesting perspective. While in person shopping is not a favorite "hobby" of mine, I probably ordered what ever I need on line 75% and did about 25% in person shopping. I especially prefer to see small appliances, clothing, and shoes IN PERSON. But....after the virus misery, I found new satisfaction, could even say "excitement", maybe pleasure would fit, in just looking items in a grocery store, touching them to look at labels and compare similar items, choosing my own produce, or loaf of bread from the bakery, etc. It actually surprised me, that I was so aware of (and so appreciated) such a routine task as shopping "in person". Talk about learning a lesson on appreciating such a small pleasure as being free to enter a store and shop for things !

[Laker14]

Dick’s has carts, too bad you didn’t utilize one of those. I don’t have much sympathy for the “me first crowd”.

Timing staff and putting cash in registers at certain time is normally based on traffic patterns for the store and it can be unpredictable. Ever notice that everyone seems to want to checkout at the same time at the grocery store? And then the seasoned checkout clerk for that shift may have been ill. First world problems…

"Me first"??? More like, "me 23rd". Screw that. After I walked out, several others followed.

There were two "managers" folding sweaters. They should have enough flexibility to open two more registers for this unexpected rush, which, considering it was between Thanksgiving and Christmas shouldn't have been unexpected at all.
Instead, they were content to fold sweaters instead of helping with the rush.
And the problem wasn't that I didn't have a cart. The problem was being expected to stand in a long line to pay for my goods, when the line could have been 1/3 the length had the two sweater folders been willing or able to run a register.
First World Problem? Maybe, but that's the world I live in.

[AnneD]

I try to use brick and mortar for anything I need over Amazon, but sometimes the convenience of a click and next day delivery is too tempting to pass up, especially if the item is less expensive on Amazon.

[JGibson]

Be careful, if Amazon feels a person returns too many items they may close that person's account.

They will give you a warning first so just cool it for awhile and you can start sending back returns again in the near future.

It seems when you send back a lot in a shirt period of time a red flag goes off.

I got the phone call once and didn't return anything for 6 months but now I have no problem sending things back within moderation.

[Rainger99]

There were at least 15 people in line, and two "managers" folding sweaters. I called out to them "hey, guys! Maybe you need to stop folding sweaters and man the cash registers."

Years ago, when I worked in a store, we were told that if the lines at the cash register got long, we were supposed to open up more lines. We made money from sales and the object was to make sales - not stack shelves or fold sweaters!!

That does not seem to be the case these days!!

[tophcfa]

It’s cheaper, delivered to your door in short time, no time or gas wasted shopping, can get just about anything imaginable, and returns are hassle free. Why wouldn’t anyone use Amazon? Rarely physically go into anyplace but a grocery store for fresh food or a hardware store when I need a part to complete a project.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

"Me first"??? More like, "me 23rd". Screw that. After I walked out, several others followed.

There were two "managers" folding sweaters. They should have enough flexibility to open two more registers for this unexpected rush, which, considering it was between Thanksgiving and Christmas shouldn't have been unexpected at all.
Instead, they were content to fold sweaters instead of helping with the rush.
And the problem wasn't that I didn't have a cart. The problem was being expected to stand in a long line to pay for my goods, when the line could have been 1/3 the length had the two sweater folders been willing or able to run a register.
First World Problem? Maybe, but that's the world I live in.

They already told you they were not permitted to do that until 5pm. Even store managers have bosses, if they work for a chain. The digital cash registers log every transaction including when a manager opens the register to put the till in. They get in trouble if they do it too early. You don't have to like it, but that's just how it is.

Work retail in a modern store long enough to be promoted to manager and you'll realize - it IS a "me first" attitude you have.

In the meantime, everyone who walked out after you? Meant the person behind THEM was next. So thank you for freeing up the line for those who just wanted to wait their turn, get their stuff, and leave with product in hand. And for those who didn't want to have to go home, order it online, wait a day or more to get what they asked for, and hope it was the right one/fit/not damaged.

Your loss was their gain.

You also gave the managers more things to do other than folding sweaters, so that's a bonus. I'm sure they would've preferred to be running the register to get entitled twerps out of their store faster, so putting all that stuff away will hopefully be a welcome distraction.

[Rainger99]

They get in trouble if they do it too early.

Do you know of any employee who got in trouble for opening another cash register lane when there were long lines of people waiting?

[JMintzer]

"Me first"??? More like, "me 23rd". Screw that. After I walked out, several others followed.

There were two "managers" folding sweaters. They should have enough flexibility to open two more registers for this unexpected rush, which, considering it was between Thanksgiving and Christmas shouldn't have been unexpected at all.
Instead, they were content to fold sweaters instead of helping with the rush.
And the problem wasn't that I didn't have a cart. The problem was being expected to stand in a long line to pay for my goods, when the line could have been 1/3 the length had the two sweater folders been willing or able to run a register.
First World Problem? Maybe, but that's the world I live in.

Business 101: NEVER make a customer wait to give you their money...

[JMintzer]

They already told you they were not permitted to do that until 5pm. Even store managers have bosses, if they work for a chain. The digital cash registers log every transaction including when a manager opens the register to put the till in. They get in trouble if they do it too early. You don't have to like it, but that's just how it is.

Work retail in a modern store long enough to be promoted to manager and you'll realize - it IS a "me first" attitude you have.

In the meantime, everyone who walked out after you? Meant the person behind THEM was next. So thank you for freeing up the line for those who just wanted to wait their turn, get their stuff, and leave with product in hand. And for those who didn't want to have to go home, order it online, wait a day or more to get what they asked for, and hope it was the right one/fit/not damaged.

Your loss was their gain.

You also gave the managers more things to do other than folding sweaters, so that's a bonus. I'm sure they would've preferred to be running the register to get entitled twerps out of their store faster, so putting all that stuff away will hopefully be a welcome distraction.

"Entitled Twerps"...

Didn't you say something about "name calling"?

That said, "Entitled Twerps" would make an awesome name for a band...

[Laker14]

Business 101: NEVER make a customer wait to give you their money...

Ain't that the truth!

[Laker14]

They already told you they were not permitted to do that until 5pm. Even store managers have bosses, if they work for a chain. The digital cash registers log every transaction including when a manager opens the register to put the till in. They get in trouble if they do it too early. You don't have to like it, but that's just how it is.

Work retail in a modern store long enough to be promoted to manager and you'll realize - it IS a "me first" attitude you have.

In the meantime, everyone who walked out after you? Meant the person behind THEM was next. So thank you for freeing up the line for those who just wanted to wait their turn, get their stuff, and leave with product in hand. And for those who didn't want to have to go home, order it online, wait a day or more to get what they asked for, and hope it was the right one/fit/not damaged.

Your loss was their gain.

You also gave the managers more things to do other than folding sweaters, so that's a bonus. I'm sure they would've preferred to be running the register to get entitled twerps out of their store faster, so putting all that stuff away will hopefully be a welcome distraction.

Well, as I said in my first post, I told them to tell their bosses that people can buy this stuff on the internet. My point being that someone at Dicks was using an outdated concept. That model might have made sense if my choices were between standing in a long line and not having the goods I wanted. But those days are gone.
Instead my choice was between standing in a long line or buying these goods from the comfort of my recliner, and not standing in a line, and not paying for gasoline, and not spending 40 minutes round trip to buy my stuff in their brick and mortar location.

I believed the sweater folders when they said they couldn't open a register. Hopefully Dicks is smart enough to get feedback from the employees on the floor when they find their sales dwindling. Maybe not. Maybe they'd just rather cry about how internet sales are ruining their business.

[Ntomk]

My northern home is rural, Amazon has become a necessity. When I am in TV I shop locally for convenience and to see what I am buying.

I do not buy fresh produce from Amazon and probably will never do so. Once I am back north I have farm stands and Market Basket, and when I am in TV I like the tropical fruit available.

Market Basket is the best. One of the few things I miss about Taxachusetts. Finally found a reason to contribute to these threads.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well, as I said in my first post, I told them to tell their bosses that people can buy this stuff on the internet. My point being that someone at Dicks was using an outdated concept. That model might have made sense if my choices were between standing in a long line and not having the goods I wanted. But those days are gone.
Instead my choice was between standing in a long line or buying these goods from the comfort of my recliner, and not standing in a line, and not paying for gasoline, and not spending 40 minutes round trip to buy my stuff in their brick and mortar location.

I believed the sweater folders when they said they couldn't open a register. Hopefully Dicks is smart enough to get feedback from the employees on the floor when they find their sales dwindling. Maybe not. Maybe they'd just rather cry about how internet sales are ruining their business.

You forgot the other choice, the one you actually chose:

Spending 40 minutes round trip to buy your stuff in their brick and mortar location, spending however long to do the actual shopping, then more time standing in line, then changing your mind and walking out without the product you came for.

Sounds like you wasted a lot of time, effort, gasoline, and peace of mind while they got paid whether you bought stuff or not.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Do you know of any employee who got in trouble for opening another cash register lane when there were long lines of people waiting?

There are security measures in some chains, to ensure that only specific authorized people working on those specific shifts are handling the tills. Yes - people have gotten in trouble for it. Usually the write-up occurs after a few repeat offenses at the same till.

[Laker14]

You forgot the other choice, the one you actually chose:

Spending 40 minutes round trip to buy your stuff in their brick and mortar location, spending however long to do the actual shopping, then more time standing in line, then changing your mind and walking out without the product you came for.

Sounds like you wasted a lot of time, effort, gasoline, and peace of mind while they got paid whether you bought stuff or not.

We live and we learn.
This particular event was maybe 10 years ago. I hadn't really embraced the idea that I could more easily buy all this stuff online. I was still a "brick and mortar" guy, and frankly, probably unaware of just how far along the rest of the world was on this road between internet shopping and brick and mortar (probably hadn't even heard the term "brick and mortar") shopping.
In 1977 I moved to a small Upstate NY town that had a mercantile district in the town center. I could buy just about anything within walking distance of my residence. One by one, these stores closed down as they couldn't compete with the big chains that were opening up in malls and shopping centers slightly out of town "on the 4-lane".
40 years later these malls and shopping centers were losing the big chains, one-by-one as they lost their market to the internet.

In all likelihood the die was cast for this store, as the changing dynamic would have its effect regardless of policy, but that event made it very easy for me to never go back in that store. I'm sure the decision makers had their reasons for their policies. Their thinking was flawed. They took away the one advantage they might have held against internet shopping; a positive personal interaction.
Stupid for them, but a learning experience for me.

[ThirdOfFive]

I have not had to return anything yet and I have been shopping with them for years.
I had to return a burial urn a few months ago. Not the one I ordered.

Guy at The UPS Store raised his eyebrows when I brought it in. “An urn?” He commented.

“Yeah”, I replied. “I got better”.

Got a chuckle out of the woman behind me in line.

[LuvNH]

Market Basket is the best. One of the few things I miss about Taxachusetts. Finally found a reason to contribute to these threads.

......... and they are getting better. We really like Panera soups and right now you can buy any of the Panera soups in Market Basket, win win for both parties.

I shop in NH. Market Basket and Amazon are everywhere up here. Great for the consumer.

[LuvNH]

I think there is a solution to the brick and mortar stores that Amazon is killing. We are desperately short of middle income and low income housing. What about taking the box stores in the Malls and turning them into affordable housing, expensive proposition, but it would give a return on investment if done right.

[Laker14]

I think there is a solution to the brick and mortar stores that Amazon is killing. We are desperately short of middle income and low income housing. What about taking the box stores in the Malls and turning them into affordable housing, expensive proposition, but it would give a return on investment if done right.

Some of them are being turned into pickleball clubs.

[Aces4]

You forgot the other choice, the one you actually chose:

Spending 40 minutes round trip to buy your stuff in their brick and mortar location, spending however long to do the actual shopping, then more time standing in line, then changing your mind and walking out without the product you came for.

Sounds like you wasted a lot of time, effort, gasoline, and peace of mind while they got paid whether you bought stuff or not.

Exactly! It appears that the related shopping experience wasn’t too effective since Dicks doors are still open.

The online business with old people will become even more interesting when AI takes over.

[coffeebean]

I try to avoid Amazon as much as possible. If I am ordering online I always try Walmart and Target etc first. Unfortunately Amazon is the only place to find some items.

I wanted a specific item that I had no idea what B&M store would carry it. I plugged it into Amazon and wha la. There it was. I ordered it from Amazon and still do not know where in the world I would have found that item in a B&M store.

Full disclosure.......I much prefer to shop at B&M stores.